Frequently Asked Questions
 

Do you offer free property valuations?

Yes. We offer free, no-obligation property valuations for homeowners considering selling their property. Our valuations are based on current market conditions, comparable properties and local market knowledge.
 

Do you charge for property valuations?

No. All property valuations are completely free and without obligation.
 

What areas do you cover?

We primarily operate throughout Bristol and the surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, please get in touch.
 

What is included in your Let Only Package?

Our No Faff Let Only Package includes property marketing, accompanied viewings, tenant referencing, Right to Rent checks, tenancy agreement preparation, inventory creation, deposit protection registration and key handover.
 

What is included in your Fully Managed Package?

Our Fully Managed Package includes everything within our Let Only Package, plus rent collection, tenant communication, maintenance coordination, property inspections, compliance support, check-out inspections and ongoing tenancy management.
 

What is the difference between Let Only and Fully Managed?

With Let Only, we find and place a tenant before handing the tenancy over to you to manage. With Fully Managed, we remain the primary point of contact throughout the tenancy and manage the day-to-day administration on your behalf.

Do you offer a short-term management service?

Yes. Our Short-Term Management Package is designed for landlords who need temporary support at the beginning or end of a tenancy without committing to full ongoing management.
 

How much do you charge for property management?

Our Fully Managed Package is charged at 8% of the monthly rent. Please visit our Services & Pricing page for current pricing information.
 

How much do you charge to sell a property?

We charge a competitive 0.8% agency fee on a no sale, no fee basis.
 

What does No Sale, No Fee mean?

If your property does not sell, you do not pay our sales commission.
 

How long does a valuation take?

Most property valuations take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the size and type of property.
 

How quickly can you market my property?

In many cases, we can begin marketing within a few days once photography and property information have been completed.
 

Do you conduct accompanied viewings?

Yes. We offer accompanied viewings as part of our services and can arrange viewings around prospective tenants' and buyers' schedules.
 

Do you reference tenants?

Yes. All prospective tenants undergo comprehensive referencing checks, including identity verification, Right to Rent checks, employment verification and affordability assessments.
 

What is a Right to Rent check?

A Right to Rent check is a legal requirement which confirms that prospective tenants have the legal right to rent property within England.
 

Do you provide tenancy agreements?

Yes. We prepare tenancy agreements and associated tenancy documentation where required.
 

Do you protect tenant deposits?

Yes. Deposits are protected using the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) Custodial Scheme in accordance with legal requirements.
 

How long do you have to protect a deposit?

Deposits must be protected within 30 days of receipt and the prescribed information must be served on the tenant.
 

What happens if a tenant reports maintenance issues?

For managed properties, tenants report maintenance issues directly to us. We coordinate communication, obtain quotations where necessary and liaise with contractors and landlords.
 

Do you carry out repairs yourselves?

Generally, no. We coordinate repairs and maintenance using trusted contractors and service providers.
 

Who pays for maintenance works?

The landlord remains responsible for all repair, maintenance and compliance costs relating to their property.
 

Do you charge for arranging maintenance?

A maintenance coordination fee may apply where Northgate Sales and Lettings Ltd arranges external contractors on behalf of a landlord.
 

What happens in an emergency?

Where an emergency threatens health, safety or the property itself, we will take reasonable steps to coordinate an appropriate response and contact the landlord as soon as possible.
 

How often are inspections carried out?

Fully managed properties typically receive four routine inspections per year.
 

Will I receive inspection reports?

Yes. Inspection reports include written observations and photographs where appropriate.
 

Can I choose my own contractors?

Absolutely. We are happy to work with your preferred contractors where appropriate.
 

What if I live outside Bristol?

Many landlords live outside the area. Our management services are designed to provide support regardless of where the landlord is located.
 

Do you offer inventories?

Yes. We provide detailed inventories and schedules of condition to help protect both landlords and tenants.
 

Why are inventories important?

Inventories provide evidence of the property's condition at the start of the tenancy and can help support deposit claims at the end of the tenancy.
 

What happens at the end of a tenancy?

We can carry out a check-out inspection, compare the property against the original inventory and assist with deposit negotiations where required.
 

Can I switch to Northgate from another letting agent?

Yes. We can guide you through the process of transferring management from your current agent.
 

Can I sell a property with tenants in situ?

In many cases, yes. We can discuss your options and explain the process involved.
 

Do I need a Gas Safety Certificate?

If your property contains gas appliances, a valid Gas Safety Certificate is generally a legal requirement.
 

Do I need an EPC?

Most properties require a valid Energy Performance Certificate before being marketed for sale or rent.
 

Do I need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

Most privately rented properties require a valid EICR in accordance with current regulations.
 

What documents do landlords need before letting a property?

Requirements vary but commonly include an EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and deposit protection arrangements (which we assist with).
 

How do I get started?

Simply get in touch using our contact page. Whether you're looking to sell, let or simply discuss your options, we'll be happy to help.